Replacing a Lost License in Washington

Having a Washington lost license, permit, or identification card is a major inconvenience—not to mention a risk for identity theft. So, replacing a lost license in Washington as soon as possible is crucial for driving and providing photo identification, as well as preventing identity theft.

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) helps its drivers with Washington license replacement, but the state also helps those with special circumstances—like out-of-state and military license replacement.

Report Your Lost or Stolen WA Driver’s License, Permit, or ID

Reporting your lost or stolen license to the DOL and law enforcement is a proactive way to prevent identity theft.

However, the DOL won’t place a flag on your driving record or cancel your driver’s license until fraudulent activity takes place or until you apply for a replacement license.

You can detect fraudulent activity in the following ways:

When someone is issued a driver’s license or identification card using your name and date of birth.

When someone is issued a traffic ticket and uses your identity and license with the officer.

When either situation occurs, immediately contact:

Your local law enforcement agency, or the agency that issued the traffic citation—whichever applies. An officer will help you file a report.

The DOL’s License Integrity Unit at (360) 902-3915.

When the situation involves a traffic ticket, also:

Contact the court in the appropriate jurisdiction and request an identification hearing. You can contest the ticket at this time.

Request that the License Integrity Unit note the stolen license and the fraudulent traffic ticket in your driving record. Do this AFTER the identification hearing.

Send the following to the address below:

A written and signed request to note the stolen license and fraudulent ticket.

A copy of the police report. It must include the name of the law enforcement agency and details about the traffic ticket or other fraudulent activity.

A copy of the court document dismissing the ticket and the reason for the dismissal.

Replace Your Lost or Stolen WA License or ID

You can replace your lost or stolen WA license, permit, or identification card online or in person at the DOL office or a self-service station; additionally, you can replace your ID card at a self-service station.

NOTE: If you’re a minor, you can replace your permit in person only.

Online

You can get a replacement license, permit, or ID card using the state’s License eXpress system OR the regular Replace Your License or ID system.

A VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card to pay the following fees:

Replacement license: $20.

Replacement permit: $20.

Replacement ID card: $20.

Either an email address or a working printer.

The system allows you to print a receipt, which acts as your temporary license* until your new card arrives. If you don’t have a working printer, you can have the receipt emailed to you and then print it from another computer.

* This temporary license allows you to drive, but it is not a valid form of identification because it doesn’t include your photo. If you need photo identification, replace your license or ID card in person (see below).

You’ll receive your replacement in the mail:

New ID cards will arrive within 7-10 days

New licenses will arrive within 2-4 weeks.

Your replacement will include the last photo of you the DOL has on file. It will be mailed to the address on file, so be sure to notify the DOL of any address change.

If you don’t receive your duplicate license or ID card within 45 days, contact the DOL at onlineserviceshelp@dol.wa.gov.

In Person

You can replace your driver’s license, permit, or ID card in person at your local DOL office. You must replace your learner’s permit in person IF you’re younger than 18 years old.

Pay the following fees with cash, a check, or a VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card*:

Replacement License: $20.

Replacement Permit: $20.

Replacement ID Card: $20.

* The DOL charges a convenience fee for credit and debit cards. You cannot use credit or debit cards at the Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic, or South Bend offices.

The DOL will provide you with a temporary license, permit, or ID to use until your permanent replacement arrives in the mail:

New ID cards will arrive in 7-10 days.

New licenses will arrive in 2-4 weeks.

Replacements will be mailed to the address on file.

Contact the DOL at drivers@dol.wa.gov if you don’t receive your replacement within 45 days.

WA Enhanced Lost or Stolen License or ID Replacement

You can replace your lost or stolen enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EID) online or in person.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: The DOL will not mail a duplicate EDL or EID to an out-of-state address; skip down to “Out of State License Replacement” below if this applies to you.

Online

You can replace your EDL or EID online if:

Your EDL or EID is valid and not expired.

Your current address and Social Security number is on file with the DOL.

Your name hasn’t changed.

You’re in Washington.

The DOL won’t mail a replacement EDL or EID to an out-of-state address, even if you’ve permanently moved.

You haven’t replaced or renewed your EDL or EID online in the last 12 months.

You’re not replacing a CDL. (See below for CDL requirements.)

You’re 18 years old or older. Parents must accompany minors to replace EDLs and EIDs in person.

In Person

Valid U.S. passport with your photo and signature. The DOL will not accept an emergency passport.

Valid military ID card with your photo.

The DOL provides a full list of acceptable documentation.

A parent or guardian, if you’re younger than 18 years old.

Cash, a check, or a VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card* to pay the $20 fee.

* The DOL charges a convenience fee for credit and debit cards. You cannot use credit or debit cards at the Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic, or South Bend offices.

You’ll get a temporary replacement at the DOL office. Your permanent replacement should arrive by mail in 10 days; if you don’t receive it in 45 days, contact the DOL at drivers@dol.wa.gov.

Out-of-State or Overseas License Replacement

If you’re out of the state or country and won’t be back for 30 days or more, you can only replace your lost or stolen driver’s license by mail.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: There are separate restrictions and requirements for replacing an enhanced WA license or ID while out of state. Please see below for specific instructions on how to replace your EDL or EID.

Before you begin, make sure:

Your license is valid and not expired. “Valid” means not suspended, revoked, or canceled.

You aren’t trying to replace a CDL, EDL, or EID. (Please see below for EDL or EID replacement while out of state.)

You should receive your temporary license within a few weeks of the DOL receiving your request, depending on your location.

WA License Replacement for Military Members

Generally, military members and their dependents receive WA driver licenses and identification cards with the word “military” instead of an expiration date. So, you’ll often hear this license referred to as a “military license.”

To replace a military license that’s been lost, stolen, or damaged while you’re out of state, complete the steps to replace an out-of-state license (see above).

Your replacement military license will not have an expiration date (remember, those licenses are marked “military licenses”). It also will not include your photo or signature.

It will be marked:

“Valid without photo.”

“Identity not verified.”

“Signature not available.”

The replacement license will be good for driving, but not for photo identification purposes.

Out-of-State Enhanced Driver's License or ID Replacement

The DOL will not mail a replacement EDL or EID to an out-of-state address, but if you won’t be back in the state in at least 30 days, you can get a replacement standard driver’s license.

This license won’t include your photo so it won’t be a valid form of photo identification; however, it will be a valid driver’s license and will include your motorcycle endorsement, if you have one.

To apply:

Call (360) 902-3900 or email drivers@dol.wa.gov to request a “Notice of Surrender” form. Specify you need this form for a lost or stolen EDL or EID.